VET qualifications: who is more likely to complete and why?

Field of education, labour force status and course qualification level are the three main factors to predict whether a vocational education and training (VET) student is likely to complete a qualification, according to new research released today by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER).

The characteristics of those most likely to complete and the main drivers for completion are now available in an interactive and easy to access data tool.

“People participate in VET for a variety of reasons and at different stages of their lives,” said Dr. Craig Fowler, Managing Director, NCVER.

“Analytics of some 2.4 million course enrolment records from 2011 and 2012 provide evidence of those factors influencing the likelihood of completing a VET qualification.

“The outcomes point to good practice interventions that would increase the likelihood of course completions.”

The new tool shows that students enrolled in a certificate I or II qualification are among those less likely to complete, while students in apprenticeships or traineeships and those students who enrol full-time are more likely to complete their VET courses.

Additionally, VET programs that include a mix of delivery modes such as online lessons, classroom delivery and employment-based learning also increase the likelihood of completion.

The research What factors explain the likelihood of completing a VET qualification? uses data collected from students who commenced government-funded VET qualifications in 2011 and 2012 at certificate I level and above, using data from the National VET Provider Collection.

This work has been produced by NCVER on behalf of the Australian Government and state and territory governments, with funding provided through the Australian Government Department of Education and Training.